Meaning: The quote by Nguyen Ky, a Vietnamese politician, reflects on the challenges faced by South Vietnam in its efforts to establish itself as a viable and independent nation. The quote suggests that South Vietnam had to start from the beginning in terms of its development and infrastructure, indicating that the country had to be built from scratch. Additionally, the quote highlights the significant reliance of South Vietnam on the Western superpowers for support and assistance, drawing a parallel between this dependency and a person relying on public welfare. The quote implies that this reliance on external powers became increasingly difficult to overcome, posing a significant challenge to South Vietnam's autonomy and self-sufficiency.

The period following the division of Vietnam into North and South in the 1950s was marked by political instability, economic challenges, and the ongoing conflict with North Vietnam. South Vietnam, under the leadership of Ngo Dinh Diem, faced the daunting task of establishing a functioning government and infrastructure while combating the influence of the communist forces in the North. This period also saw the increasing involvement of the United States and other Western powers in supporting South Vietnam in its struggle against communism, leading to a deepening reliance on external aid and assistance.

The quote's reference to South Vietnam having to be built from scratch reflects the immense challenges faced by the country in terms of nation-building. The devastation caused by years of conflict, the lack of established institutions, and the need to create a cohesive government and economy from the ground up placed South Vietnam in a precarious position. This process was further complicated by the country's dependence on external support, particularly from the Western superpowers, which played a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of South Vietnam's development.

The comparison drawn between South Vietnam's dependency on the Western superpowers and a person on public welfare underscores the extent of the country's reliance on external aid. Like an individual who becomes increasingly dependent on welfare assistance, South Vietnam found itself in a situation where its reliance on external support grew with each passing day. This dependency encompassed various aspects, including military assistance, economic aid, and political backing, all of which contributed to shaping the country's trajectory and its ability to chart an independent course.

The quote's assertion that this dependency was difficult to shake suggests the entrenched nature of South Vietnam's reliance on the Western superpowers. As time passed, the country became more deeply enmeshed in a web of external support, making it increasingly challenging to assert its sovereignty and autonomy. This dynamic had significant implications for South Vietnam's internal dynamics, as well as its relationships with other nations and regional actors.

In conclusion, Nguyen Ky's quote provides insight into the formidable challenges faced by South Vietnam in its quest for nation-building and independence. The quote underscores the country's need to establish itself from the ground up while highlighting the growing dependency on Western superpowers for support. This dependency, akin to a person on public welfare, posed significant obstacles to South Vietnam's ability to assert its autonomy and self-sufficiency. Ultimately, the quote serves as a poignant reflection on the complex dynamics that shaped South Vietnam's trajectory during a tumultuous period in its history.